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The meeting aims to scrutinize the implementation of high-level agreements and how to promote cooperation between the two countries.
In his opening speech, Prime Minister Phuc said this was the first meeting co-chaired by the two Prime Ministers to elevate bilateral ties. In 2017, the two sides will celebrate 40 years since the signing of the Vietnam – Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the 55th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
The Vietnamese government leader said Vietnam and Laos have fine-tuned their Cooperative Committee led by the Minister of Planning and Investment.
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| PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thoonglun Sisoulith. |
He expressed his hope that the chairs of the committees will ensure efficiency of bilateral cooperation.
“The two countries’ delegations need to give specific and objective evaluations of the past performance, propose significant measures and initiatives, and include high-level cooperative agreements in annual plan. The Vietnam-Lao relationship is second to none in the world and we will forever nurture this great brotherhood," he said.
Lao Prime Minister Thoonglun Sisoulith pledged to cooperate with Vietnam to hold celebrations of the two countries’ major anniversaries and raise public awareness of the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity, especially among young generations, adding that he believes the meeting will be a great success.Prime Minister Phuc said Vietnam will do its utmost to help Lao’s national development and work closely with Laos at regional and global forums.
“I congratulate Vietnam for its socio-economic achievements in economics, security, defense, human resource development, and diplomacy. This will help elevate Vietnam’s stature globally. Today, we discuss bilateral cooperation and put forth measures to boost Vietnam’s investment in Laos and vice versa to benefit both countries. We believe that under the chair of the two Prime Ministers, both sides will discuss frankly and openly to make the meeting a success," he said.
The two government leader expressed satisfaction over the effective implementation of high-level agreements and deals between ministries, agencies and localities last year as well as expanded bilateral ties in political, diplomatic, national defence-security, economic and socio-cultural fields.
They concurred to enhance political, diplomatic, national defence-security, investment and trade ties while expanding coordination in human resources training, transport infrastructure, and the sustainable use and management of water and natural resources.
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| The two PMs at the signing ceremony. |
They were determined to work closely together to hold the Year of Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship 2017, the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the TAC signing. They also pledged to offer mutual support at regional and global organisations and forums.
They later also co-chaired a press conference on the outcomes of the meeting.Following the meeting, the two PMs witnessed the signing of four cooperation documents, including an agreement on cooperation plan in 2017 between the two governments, the minutes of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee’s 39th meeting, a collaboration plan between the two education ministries, and the minutes of the establishment of a joint-venture to build a 500kV power transmission line connecting the two countries.
